Guest Profile

Patricia Roberts

Patricia Roberts has helped tens of thousands of families avoid millions of dollars in student loan debt over the past 23 years by sharing her expertise about planning ahead for higher education expenses. She is author of Route 529: A Parent’s Guide to Saving for College and Career Training with 529 Plans,  is a sought-after speaker and blogger, and is the proud mom of a son who just graduated debt-free from college in June 2021.

In her current role as Chief Operating Officer at Gift of College, Inc., she encourages employers to help reduce employee stress associated with the high cost of higher education by offering matching contributions to 529 college savings plans as a financial wellness benefit. She also educates employers on how they can offer tax-free student loan assistance for employees thanks to some changes in late 2020 and educates them about the valuable role 529 ABLE plans can play for employees with disabilities or those, like herself, who have loved ones with disabilities.

Patricia’s initial interest in financial wellness and higher education can be traced back to her childhood when unexpected circumstances launched her into a family leadership role at the age of ten. While she nearly missed the opportunity to go to college because of cost, she earned both an undergraduate and law degree while working multiple jobs and considers the attainment higher education as THE reason she was able to lift herself, her mom and family out of poverty. She is determined to help others achieve their higher education dreams with as little debt and regret as possible.